The Yellow-Haired Villain in Soaring Phoenix’s Novels Also Desires Happiness

Chapter 6, Girl and Dawn (6000-word major chapter, including additional updates)

“Forget it, I can probably guess who is behind these rumors stirring things up.”

Ariel rubbed her forehead, feeling a bit of a headache.

Aside from the journalism club, which usually can’t gather any big news and thus takes pleasure in creating news, there probably isn’t anyone else in the academy this bored.

“It seems I need to find an opportunity to visit the journalism club. No matter what, I can’t let these rumors fester.”

“Eh? But the president of the journalism club is that famous senior Ming Ge Te from the sixth grade. Will he listen to you?” Liya blinked, asking with some concern.

Although Ariel had gained a bit of fame among some students, compared to a sixth-grade senior, that little fame probably didn’t mean much.

Let alone changing the journalism club’s usual way of having fun.

“But I can’t just not go.”

Ariel gritted her teeth and said:

“I don’t want to inexplicably become that Mu En Campbell’s ex-girlfriend.”

Just thinking about being pointed at like that in the future felt worse than being killed.

“Not just an ex-girlfriend, but also the ex-girlfriend who had an abortion,” Liya added seriously.

“…Alright, you little troublemaker, it’s been so long since we last met, and you come back just to insult me, huh?”

Ariel slapped the ancient book under her pillow, her sharp, phoenix-like eyes narrowing as she glared, then suddenly lunged at Lia with a cackling laugh.

“Come here and let me check your body, let’s see if you’ve gotten chubby again.”

“I haven’t! No, don’t! It tickles… heehee…”

“Sure, you say you haven’t, but after just one holiday, you’ve secretly gone up a size in your underwear! Lia Angel, you’re such a baby!” Realizing an unacceptable truth, Ariel was furious.

“I must punish you today!”

“Ugh… don’t come over here, go away… it tickles so much, heehee…”

As Lia dodged Ariel’s grasp, she giggled, “If she grows, there’s nothing I can do. Actually, I envy you a lot; at least your shoulders don’t ache when you walk, and you don’t feel suffocated when you sleep…”

“Ugh, how infuriating! You still say that, you still say that!”

A certain super flat felt her dignity was insulted and immediately launched a more vigorous attack.

In the midst of their playful scuffle, the dormitory was filled with the delightful essence of youthful girls.

…

The moonlight was cool.

After the playful tussle, Ariel lost her desire to continue reading. Leaning by the window, she admired the bright moon in the sky, untangling her messy long hair that had been ruffled.

At that moment, Lia, her cheeks still slightly flushed, cautiously leaned over and asked:

“So?”

“What do you mean, ‘so’?”

“I mean, about Mu En Campbell’s apology.”

Lia rested her chin on her hand, looking at Ariel, and asked:

“What do you think? Are you going to forgive him?”

“Are you kidding me?”

Ariel rolled her eyes dramatically:

“He did something so outrageous to me, and you think a simple apology can make it all go away? I’m not that easy to please.”

“That’s true. But…”

Lia pondered for a moment and said:

“After all, he is Mu En Campbell, the son of a duke. He was so arrogant before, and now he suddenly apologizes to you, especially in front of so many people. I think he must have made a huge decision, like turning over a new leaf or something.”

“Come on, I think there’s a higher chance that there’s some kind of scheme behind it.”

Thinking about Mu En Campbell’s actions today and comparing them to the Mu En Campbell in her memory, Ariel found it hard to believe that just one holiday could change someone so drastically.

Has he really been possessed by an evil god?

Should I trick him into going to the Life Church for a purification ceremony someday?

“And his sincerity is also questionable.”

Ariel said angrily:

“Do you know what kind of apology gift he gave me today? It was a skewer! Or rather, one that he had already taken a few bites out of. You call this sincerity?”

“Uh… maybe it was sudden?”

“Well, he did say he would make it up to me, but knowing his usual tackiness, it’s likely just some precious gemstone jewelry or something.”

“Hmm, gemstone jewelry is quite tacky, but don’t you want it?”

Lia stared at Ariel, a mischievous glint in her eyes as if she could see through everything.

“Here we are, having become the heirs of the count, yet still Miss Ariel, living in poverty. Don’t you want it?”

“Ah, I do want it! Who do you think I am? The things I need to do cost so much money, ahhh…

Miss Lia, please have mercy and lend me a little more.” Ariel clung to Lia’s leg.

“I’ve already lent you all my money.”

Lia puffed out her cheeks and said, “I don’t even know what you’re secretly doing, spending so much money and not telling me what it’s for.”

“Hehe, actually, I’m researching the one and only Pachichi cake recipe in the world!”

Ariel had a serious expression.

“Alright, alright, take your time with your research.”

Lia clearly didn’t believe her, but she also had no interest in prying into others’ secrets.

Waving her hand, she said goodbye:

“It’s getting late, I’ll head back to the dorm now.”

“Okay, be careful on your way!”

“By the way.”

Just as Lia was about to walk out, she turned back and earnestly reminded:

“You can’t be late for the opening ceremony tomorrow.”

“How could that be?”

Ariel patted her chest vigorously: “Am I the kind of person who would be late for an important occasion?”

“What do you think?”

Lia replied speechlessly:

“Isn’t it the case that last semester, the one who lost the most credits was late, and that was you, Ariel?”

“Hehe…”

“Forget it, I’ll come to call you tomorrow. Good night…”

“Good night, Lia-chan.”

……

After Lia left.

Ariel rested her head on the table, sighing:

“Learning magic really burns a hole in your pocket.”

Although she had become the heir to the count, she still had no access to the financial power of the Bugarde family, and her monthly allowance was simply not enough.

After all, she was not following an ordinary path of magic.

That unique path was indeed more powerful, but correspondingly, it also cost more.

It was truly frustrating.

“Who said magic was just a toy for the nobility? The brutishness of the lower classes isn’t just a sarcastic remark; it’s a real revelation of the cruel class divisions in this world.”

The candlelight flickered.

From a quaint ring that Ariel wore, ethereal blue smoke rose, gradually forming a graceful figure.

“Master, is there any way to make money?”

Seeing that figure, Ariel immediately cried out even more pitifully: “Your beloved apprentice is about to starve to death.”

“Of course there is.”

The graceful, hazy figure, Ariel’s master, said: “You are now a gold-tier magician; there are plenty of ways to make money.”

After all, while magicians spend money quickly, they can also earn it just as fast. Selling a few magical scrolls could yield a considerable income.

“But…”

Ariel’s master continued:

“You know the situation; it’s not that we can’t make money, it’s that we have no place to make it.

Because of that incident, most of the underground black market in Belrand is temporarily closed, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“Hmm… isn’t it also because the ancient magic you taught is too eye-catching? If the scrolls I made could be sold through normal channels, I wouldn’t be so troubled.”

“Well, you could also learn ordinary magic; it’s not too late now.” The hazy beauty seemed to smile knowingly.

“Not a chance.”

Ancient magic is so powerful; why wouldn’t I learn it?

“Speaking of which, this matter is somewhat related to me as well.”

Ariel gazed into the candlelight, a hint of regret flickering in her eyes.

Back when she was at the duke’s residence, she had distinctly sensed something was off.

As a result, out of trust in the duke and the allure of the Patchy Cake, she chose not to investigate further.

And then, the incident happened.

Princess Celicia was assassinated.

Muen Campbell was seriously injured as a result.

The Duke of Campbell and His Majesty the Emperor were furious, launching a thunderous attack on the dark side of Berland.

Now the entire dark side of Berland was like rats in a gutter, hiding and not daring to show their faces.

Let alone the underground black market; nowadays, anyone wearing a hood on the street would suddenly find a group of imposing men inviting them for tea.

Berland was so peaceful that there were hardly any thieves left.

“If only I could have taken one more step back then.”

Ariel sighed.

To save Celicia at a critical moment, what a great opportunity to build rapport it would have been, but that chance slipped right through her fingers.

What a pity!

However, there was still one thing that could make Ariel feel a bit happier.

Celicia was attacked, and it was Mu’en Campbell who was seriously injured.

Celicia must be utterly disappointed in that useless man!

(Note: The Duke’s residence has sealed off the news of the princess’s assassination; Ariel’s information comes from special channels and is incomplete.)

“Speaking of which, I just thought of a good way to make money.” The hazy beauty suddenly said.

“Simple and quick, and it’s very convenient.”

“Oh.”

Ariel’s eyes lit up, “Master, please tell me.”

“Didn’t that Mu’en Campbell say today that he would make up for the apology gift in the future?”

The hazy beauty smiled and said:

“You tell Mu’en Campbell that as long as he gives you one million, you will forgive him. Maybe he will happily hand over the million.”

“Impossible!”

Ariel slammed the table, resolutely refusing:

“Am I the kind of frivolous woman who would give up my principles for a mere million?

If Mu’en Campbell wants to earn my forgiveness, he must truly repent and earn my recognition; otherwise, it’s absolutely impossible!”

“Really?”

“Of course it’s true, more real than pearls!” Ariel declared emphatically.

“Is that so? What a pity.”

The hazy beauty sighed, stroking her face:

“I actually think that Mu’en Campbell seemed quite sincere today.”

……

Morning.

A thin mist hung in the air, and all was silent.

Yet at this moment, Professor Plang had already risen, beginning his daily routine of walking.

The walk was not for exercise, but to fulfill the duty of an exemplary educator.

“The early bird catches the worm, but this batch of students doesn’t even grasp that simple truth!”

Professor Plang stood on the tree-lined avenue, gazing at the quiet dormitory area, unable to suppress a shake of his head.

“Back in the day, when I taught the golden generation, those prodigies would rise before dawn to study and train. Unlike this year, with only two hours left until the opening ceremony, not a single one has gotten out of bed.

Alas, it’s too disappointing, too disappointing—there’s not a shred of self-awareness as a St. Maria student.”

Professor Plang couldn’t help but sigh in lament for the lethargy of this year’s students, already contemplating whether to suggest to the dean that these future pillars of the empire should be kept on a tighter leash, not allowed to grow wild and free like this.

Lost in thought, the disappointed Professor Plang was ready to head back home.

But just then, he heard hurried, rhythmic footsteps, particularly clear in the stillness of the sycamore grove.

“What is this…”

Professor Plang’s eyes brightened.

Could it be that there was still an outstanding student who hadn’t wasted the most important morning hours of the day?

Turning back with a sense of relief, Professor Plang decided he would commend this student, even showcasing them as an exemplary model at the upcoming ceremony for the other lazy students to see.

Look, look, this is what a model student looks like—take note, you lazy ones.

“Good morning, Professor.”

“Ah, good morning, Mu… Mu’en·Kan—Bell!”

“Eh?”

Mu’en was startled by the sudden shout from the old man, instinctively screaming as a PDST episode flared up, nearly kicking out in response.

Fortunately, realizing this was the academy, where no eldritch horrors would suddenly appear, he managed to hold back.

“Um… may I ask what the matter is?”

Mu’en asked cautiously.

It was hard not to be careful; he recognized the elderly man before him, whose eyes were wide as copper bells.

Plang Ronin, head of the Department of Magic.

The most senior magic professor at the academy.

And also the professor the original owner feared the most.

The reason for the fear… perhaps it was because he had only learned a single illumination spell under this man in a year, terrified that one day he might be devoured by the irate Professor Plang.

“Mu’en·Kan-Bell, what are you doing?”

Realizing the situation, Professor Plang collected himself, cleared his throat a couple of times, and asked.

From noble mtl dot com

“I? I’m out for a morning run.”

Mu En was dressed in a sharp short-sleeved shirt and shorts, and even while talking to Professor Plang, her steps didn’t falter; she continued to jog in place.

“Morning run!”

Professor Plang’s eyes widened.

A flash of shock, confusion, and bewilderment crossed his face.

It was as if he had suddenly seen a terminally ill patient leap out of bed, slapping their backside while sprinting through an entire marathon.

Professor Plang fixed his gaze on Mu En and asked earnestly:

“Are you sure you didn’t just sneak out of the girls’ dormitory?”

“Why would you think that, Professor?”

Mu En was taken aback. “The girls’ dormitory isn’t even in this direction!”

“Or are you on your way to the girls’ dormitory?” Professor Plang made a serious guess.

“Absolutely not!”

“Well, that’s strange then.”

Professor Plang stroked his beard, his expression grave, as if he had encountered a century-old conundrum in magic.

“You, Mu En Campbell, are up this early, dressed so revealingly; if it’s not for some mischief, it just doesn’t add up.”

“I’m not up to any mischief! Do you really see me that way, Professor?” Mu En continued to be shocked. “And this is just a sports shirt, how is it revealing?”

“What else could it be?”

Professor Plang was also taken aback. “Haven’t you done enough mischief last semester?”

“…”

You’re bringing up last semester?

You dare to talk to me about last semester?

If we’re discussing last semester… then I have no retort.

After all, it’s all true, isn’t it?

Mu En Campbell had indeed caused quite a stir last semester!

“Anyway… I’m really just out for a morning run,” Mu En said helplessly.

“Professor, don’t overthink it.”

“But this level of morning run shouldn’t really provide any exercise benefits,” Professor Plang said, knowing from his own solid martial arts background that, let alone a second-tier martial artist, even a first-tier martial artist in the later stages would find simple physical exercise ineffective.

“I know,” Mu En replied. “I’m just doing this to invigorate myself.”

“Invigorate yourself?”

“Exactly! A little exercise early in the morning, then a cold shower when I get back, and I’ll feel energized all day.”

Mu En smiled. “At least I won’t be dozing off in class, right?”

“Not going to nap in class…”

Professor Plang’s eyes widened, as if he had seen a giant shrimp scuttling past him, dragging its eggs.

b*stard.

How dare you say that.

Clearly, in every one of my classes last semester… you were napping!

“Alright, Professor, I’ll take my leave now, goodbye.”

It always felt like staying wouldn’t lead to anything good, so Mu En seized the opportunity to slip away.

Taking advantage of Professor Plang’s momentary daze, he stepped on the fallen leaves and jogged away, quickly disappearing into the morning light.

“Can a person really change so much in such a short time?”

Watching Mu En’s disappearing figure, even the seasoned Professor Plang found it hard to suppress his inner shock.

From afar yesterday, it didn’t feel so intense, but now, with this close encounter, he realized… Mu En’s actions… seemed indeed to carry a hint of reality.

Lost in thought, Professor Plang unconsciously peeled a piece of bark from a nearby sycamore tree and stuffed it into his mouth.

Ugh, so bitter!

If only my desk…

Ah, no, no.

How could I be so easily swayed?

Don’t be fooled, Plang Ronin!

Expose Mu En Campbell’s facade!

For the sake of my work… for the dignity I’ve upheld for decades in teaching!

“Hmph.”

Professor Plang bit down hard on the piece of bark, sneering:

“Mu En Campbell, just you wait. From now on, I will keep a close watch on you!”

……

“Ugh—”

While jogging, Mu En suddenly felt a chill run down his spine; he shivered and looked around warily.

“Why do I suddenly have the impression that I’m being targeted by a yandere?”

“Strange, this is St. Maria Academy, how could An possibly get in here?”

……

The morning light was faint.

The rare tranquility in front of the building was shattered by the crisp sound of heels. The bun-haired girl, dozing off at the door, was startled awake and hurriedly looked up at the stunning silver-haired girl in front of her, straightening her back and raising her voice:

“Your Highness!”

“I’ve told you, don’t call me Your Highness at the academy.”

Celicia glanced at Veer, who was hurriedly wiping her slightly moist lips, and said:

“And also, don’t stay up late reading that novel about the Overbearing Evil God falling in love with me at night; it will affect your work.”

“Yes, President.” Veer’s cheeks turned slightly red.

“Let’s go.”

Seeing Veer comply, Celicia didn’t say much more and walked into the empty building.

Following the familiar corridor and staircase all the way up, she finally arrived in front of a room with the words [Student Council Room] written on the doorplate.

“I’m back.”

Celicia murmured softly to herself before pushing the door open.

Opposite the door was a simple office desk and a chair that looked quite plain.

On the side of the room was a bookshelf filled with books, alongside a sofa for receiving guests.

Other than that, there was nothing else.

Plain and unadorned, everything was as usual.

However, two months of neglect had resulted in a fine layer of dust covering the room.

Then, a cold breeze swept in, quickly cleaning the entire room until it was spotless.

“Wow, no matter how you look at it, the President’s abilities are so convenient.”

Veer exclaimed quietly from behind.

“If you had the heart to come clean during the break, it would be more convenient than any ability.”

Celicia glanced at Veer, the secretary of the Student Council, who had spent the entire break off having fun, as she walked into the room and brushed the thin frost off the desk.

“Eheh.”

Veer stuck out her tongue in a silly gesture, but soon, she was almost frozen stiff by the chill in the room.

“It’s so… so cold, President.”

“…”

Celicia let out a soft sigh.

She walked to the window, reached out, and pushed it open.

Although it carried the chill of early autumn, the warm outdoor air flowed in, much warmer than the room that had just been swept by the cold wind.

A gentle breeze blew, and the shadows of the sycamore trees swayed lightly.

Amidst the rustling of the wind, Celicia heard a very faint, yet easily distinguishable, sound of leaves being crushed underfoot.

This was originally a trivial matter, but for some reason, Celicia turned to look in the direction from which the sound came.

Then she saw.

The blond boy, with the fragmented morning sun on his head, dressed in a neat sports outfit, was running along the quiet path of the phoenix trees.

Is it him?

Celesia’s eyes flickered slightly as she suddenly asked the girl behind her, Veer:

“What time is it now?”

“Eh, now? Let me see, it’s six oh six.”

“When does the opening ceremony start?”

“At eight o’clock sharp.”

“At least two hours early, then?”

Celesia’s delicate silver-white eyelashes fluttered, lost in thought.

“President, what are you looking at?”

Veer leaned in curiously.

Then she also saw the blond boy running below.

“Ah, Mu’en Campbell.”

Veer gasped lightly and then suddenly tilted her head, spitting out a harsh sound.

“Tui! Scumbag!”

“…Has he done something again?”

Celesia turned her head to ask.

“President, you don’t know?”

Veer wore a shocked expression, as if to say, how could you not know such a big deal, are you from Mars? Then she suddenly pulled out a few crumpled newspapers from behind her.

“Hmm?”

Celesia took the newspapers and looked over.

“Shock! The arrogant young master Mu’en Campbell apologizes to Ariel, revealing such hidden truths!”

The newspaper opened with those bold red words.

“Apologizing?”

Celesia raised an eyebrow slightly.

Below the bold letters was a magical photograph, capturing the moment Mu’en bowed and apologized to Ariel.

Celesia was feeling somewhat surprised when her eyes were caught by the text below.

“Ex-girlfriend? The things that Mu’en Campbell and Ariel Bugal had to say before entering the academy!”

“Beast! They actually have a child between them!”

“Stepping on thirteen boats, is that fearless battleship really her?”

“……”

Exaggerated rhetoric.

Deceptive words.

Not a shred of credibility.

If it were the old Celicia, she would have merely glanced at it and then turned her gaze away, unwilling to waste her precious time on such nonsense.

But for some reason, this time, she patiently read through the content of the newspaper word by word.

By the time the detestable scumbag Mu En Campbell had toyed with the poor Ariel Bugard’s affections three times, caused her to have five miscarriages, driven her to attempt suicide seven times, and nearly sent her to her grave nine times due to a terminal illness exacerbated by a passing carriage…

Celicia finally found a line of tiny, tiny text at the very bottom of the newspaper, so small that one could easily miss it if not paying close attention.

—“The above is merely the subjective speculation of the news agency, meant to amuse, and does not represent the actual situation.”

As the first rays of dawn swept over the treetops, they fell gently upon Celicia’s cool face, causing her brows and eyes to relax slightly.

But immediately, her gaze turned cold.

“Well, that Mu En Campbell is a thorough scumbag, isn’t he?”

Weir leaned in, her face filled with righteous indignation.

“You…”

Celicia averted her gaze and sighed lightly.

She rolled up the newspaper and gently tapped it against Weir’s head.

“Read less of this stuff in the future, or you’ll get dumb.”

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